A certain day became a presence to me;
there it was, confronting me — a sky, air, light:
a being. And before it started to descend
from the height of noon, it leaned over
and struck my shoulder as if with
the flat of a sword, granting me
honor and a task. The day’s blow
rang out, metallic — or it was I, a bell awakened,
and what I heard was my whole self
saying and singing what it knew: I can.

2 Responses to “Denise Levertov – Variation On a Theme by Rilke”

If there must be a muse to wake us up and act, it might as well be Rilke. This poetic choice is a strong one, clear and forthright: who is not in need of such forceful encouragement sometimes? Thank you Denise for confessing your desperate need such as all of us are liable to experience.

yes! the power to give shape…the artist , sculpture, acto, musican….a sky, air, light, a being… a stage , a set…to act, interact with. Very cool images and the magic of thought for the day much appreciation:) blessed and bright weekend